The death penalty—a topic as controversial as it is enduring in American law—has once again found itself at the forefront of political conversations and public discourse. Recent data highlights a significant uptick in executions, particularly in Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration. While the death penalty has long been a divisive issue, the sudden rise in its application raises critical questions. Are these increases reflective of public opinion, or is the shift being driven by political agendas? What implications could this trend have for the future of the American justice system?

This article explores the factors behind the resurgence of executions in the United States, particularly in Florida, unpacks the political motives at play, and examines the broader consequences of this shift. Through a nuanced lens, we’ll also assess whether public opinion really aligns with this rise and explore the societal ramifications of normalizing such punitive measures.

Florida’s Record-Setting Execution Rate: A Closer Look

In what some are calling a grim milestone, Florida has recently set a record pace for state-sanctioned executions, with Governor Ron DeSantis overseeing more executions in a single year than any other Florida governor since 1976. Among the 2025 schedule was the execution of 72-year-old Samuel Lee Smithers, a man convicted in the brutal 1996 murders of two women. His case is a stark reminder of the often lengthy appeals process for death row inmates, which extends decades after their initial convictions.

Smithers is among 14 individuals slated for execution in Florida this year alone. This marks a notable shift when compared to past years, where the record prior to 2025 was set in 2014 with eight executions. The increase reflects broader policy changes spearheaded by DeSantis, who has consistently voiced strong support for the death penalty as a tool of justice and deterrence.

Supporters of DeSantis argue that the governor is simply carrying out the will of Florida’s citizens, who largely back capital punishment. “The people of Florida support the death penalty,” said Larry, a commentator in a heated discussion. “The governor’s doing his job. It’s the law of Florida.”

But this use of capital punishment isn’t just limited to Florida—it may signify a broader national trend under the influence of key figures in conservative politics, as discussed below.

Political Underpinnings: The “Trump Effect” and Beyond

The rising execution rates in Florida are not occurring in isolation. Many legal experts and advocates point to what they dub the “Trump Effect,” a period of reinvigorated support for capital punishment policies among conservatives. Under Donald Trump’s administration, there was a significant push to expand the use of the death penalty at the federal level. The appointment of Trump-aligned state leaders—such as Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Louisiana’s Liz Murrell—has also led to resuming executions in states where it had paused for years.

Trump himself vowed during his presidency to seek the death penalty for federal murder cases, emphasizing a “law-and-order” agenda. Although actual implementation varied across jurisdictions, the rhetoric has clearly resonated with state politicians and governors looking to align themselves with Trump’s policies. Ron DeSantis, for example, has repeatedly championed tough-on-crime legislation, including efforts to expand the death penalty further into cases of child sexual assault—a move widely criticized by opponents on constitutional and moral grounds.

A particularly poignant quote from Laura Porter, executive director of the Eighth Amendment Project, encapsulates these shifting dynamics: “It only takes one Trump-aligned leader in a state to restart executions of people who’ve been on death row for years.” This insight highlights how leadership at the state level directly impacts the prioritization of executions, often reflecting broader political ambitions rather than public mandate.

The Public Opinion Paradox

One of the key puzzles in this discussion is whether the rise in executions aligns with the will of the broader American public. A recent Associated Press (AP) report offers a mixed assessment. While polls suggest that public support for capital punishment hovers around 50%, courtrooms tell a different story: juries across the U.S. have increasingly moved to reject the death penalty. In 2025, only 10 people have been sentenced to death row, a stark contrast to the 315 cases from the mid-1990s.

Why this disconnect? Experts contend that fine distinctions exist between public polling and the nuanced, informed decisions of jurors. As Larry astutely observed, “Courtrooms are different than the general population. Jurors hear from experts and weigh evidence that regular citizens wouldn’t be in a position to consider.” This difference underscores how the judicial process itself may serve as a check against popular opinion, even if only indirectly.

Grave Sentences for Heinous Crimes: Individual Cases in the Spotlight

While statistics and trends often dominate the discussion, the stories behind those sentenced to death serve as a sobering reminder of the human element in this issue. For instance, Samuel Lee Smithers’ case exemplifies the brutal nature of crimes that often invoke public support for the death penalty. Smithers, a former deacon at his church, was convicted of murdering two women, beating, strangling, and eventually leaving their bodies in a pond. Sensationalized cases like his ignite predictable calls for justice, swaying public perception in favor of harsh punishments.

Similarly, the execution of Curtis Windham in August 2025, convicted of a triple murder in 1992, sheds light on the prolonged nature of death penalty cases. Decades often pass between the act of the crime and the carrying out of the sentence, raising questions about the practical purposes of executions as deterrents or means of swift justice.

The Desensitization of a Nation: Wider Implications

The normalization of executions is a growing concern among opponents of capital punishment. “We as a population are being desensitized to the death penalty, which will also make it easier to expand its usage,” warned Larry. This alarming trend could pave the way for broader applications of the death penalty beyond murder, particularly in states already advocating for its use in crimes such as child sexual assault.

The gradual expansion of capital punishment sets a dangerous precedent, according to critics, particularly as it intersects with issues like youth offenders and legal inequalities. Stories of individuals sentenced to death for crimes committed at age 20, or legislation targeting certain classes of offenders, paint an unsettling picture for the road ahead.

Conclusion: Is This the Future We Choose?

The rise in executions in Florida and elsewhere is a snapshot of shifting priorities in America’s justice system—priorities increasingly influenced by political partisanship, rather than reflective public consensus. Governor Ron DeSantis’s aggressive push for executions represents a trend many fear could desensitize citizens to the practice and lead to its gradual expansion.

While proponents argue that increased execution rates demonstrate justice being served, skeptics worry about the long-term societal consequences. They caution that unchecked enthusiasm for capital punishment risks creating a legal system where the focus on punishment overshadows rehabilitation, fairness, and the rule of law.

Key Takeaways:
1. The recent rise in executions, especially in Florida, exposes the intersections of law, politics, and public opinion.
2. Political agendas, such as those influenced by Trump-era policies, have reinvigorated capital punishment rhetoric and implementation.
3. Contrary to high execution rates, jurors are increasingly rejecting the death penalty, suggesting a disconnect between courtrooms and political priorities.
4. The normalization of executions risks paving the way for broader applications, including cases that push constitutional boundaries.

The future of the death penalty in America remains uncertain, but as the debate intensifies, it’s clear that the rising number of executions will spark renewed questions about justice, morality, and the nation we aspire to be.